The Reykjanes reservoir, lying in a volcanic environment in Iceland, is assumed to contain supercritical fluids, whose energy content is about ten times higher than conventional geothermal systems. Drilling a well in this environment has to cope with very high temperature and pressure as well as an intensely fractured subsurface. A detailed well design can help minimize the likelihood of drilling and completion problems that could compromise the success of the project.

This paper simulates the drilling process and possible load cases for well completions and assesses potential risks.